Financial Ratios

Mythic Models – Masters of Cinematic Miniatures

Founded in 2010, Mythic Models is a highly specialized prop and model-making studio based in Melbourne, Australia. The company employs 75 skilled artists, engineers, and craftsmen, creating intricate, bespoke models for film sets, television productions, and theme parks. Their expertise in fantasy and science fiction environments has made them a highly sought-after name in the industry.

In 2024, Mythic Models had its biggest project to date—”Kingdoms of the Void”, a high-budget fantasy blockbuster that reimagines medieval warfare with a sci-fi twist, where a peaceful kingdom is invaded by technologically advanced alien conquerors. The company was responsible for creating highly detailed castle miniatures, alien war machines, and battlefield dioramas, some of which were later scanned for CGI integration. The film’s stunning visuals and practical effects received widespread praise, boosting Mythic Models’ reputation globally.

Following this success, a major video game studio, Immersia Interactive, approached Mythic Models with an exciting joint venture opportunity—creating hyper-detailed collectibles and interactive display pieces for a “Kingdoms of the Void” video game adaptation. This deal could significantly expand the company’s revenue streams beyond film projects, allowing them to tap into gaming and merchandise markets. However, the company’s executives must carefully assess their financial position before committing to the deal.

To analyse their financial health and investment potential, Mythic Models has compiled their financial data for 2024, as shown below:

Mythic Models – Financial Summary (2024) 

Note: Company tax in Australia is 30%

Category

Amount ($’000)

Cash

50

Cost of Sales

820

Current Liabilities

150

Debtors

95

Expenses

300

Interest

35

Dividends

40

Sales Revenue

1600

Total Equity

600

Non-Current Liabilities

400

Task for Students:

  1. Construct a complete Profit and Loss account for Mythic Models using the provided data.
    2. Calculate the following financial ratios to assess the company’s performance:
  1. Interpret the results – What do the ratios reveal about Mythic Models’ financial position?
  2. Strategic Decision: Based on the company’s financial performance, should they accept the joint venture with Immersia Interactive? Justify your answer using financial and business reasoning.

Joint Venture & Financial Review

Following the success of Kingdoms of the Void, Immersia Interactive, the gaming company interested in a joint venture with Mythic Models, has taken the next step in negotiations. They are seriously considering moving forward with a deal to develop hyper-detailed collectibles and interactive display pieces for the video game adaptation of Kingdoms of the Void.

However, before signing any agreements, Immersia Interactive has requested a full balance sheet for the last financial year. Their finance team wants to assess Mythic Models’ financial health, asset base, and liabilities to ensure the company has the capacity to support large-scale production and distribution.

As the finance team at Mythic Models, you have been asked to reconstruct the balance sheet using the financial data provided below.

Category

Amount ($000)

Bank overdraft

15

Share capital

400

Cash

50

Trade creditors

40

Property

470

Long-term borrowings

140

Plant & equipment

281.5

Retained profits

271.5

Debtors

95

Other short-term loans

70

Accumulated depreciation

(80)

Stock

120

Task: Creating the Balance Sheet

  1. Using the financial data, classify the amounts correctly into the appropriate categories to create a well-structured balance sheet that balances at the end.
  2. Calculate the working capital of Mythic Models.
  3. Does Mythic Models appear to be in a strong financial position to proceed with the joint venture? Why or why not?
  4. What does the level of retained profits suggest about the company’s past financial performance?
  5. Explain whether you would still recommend that Immersia Interactive move forward with the partnership based on this balance sheet?

Extension Activity: Financial Fraud at Mythic Models

As Mythic Models prepared to finalize their joint venture (JV) with Immersia Interactive, a shocking financial scandal emerged.

The CFO, Richard “Richie” Belmont, was discovered falsifying financial records to make the company appear healthier than it actually was. His motivation? To push through the JV, inflate the company’s valuation, and sell his shares at a high price before retiring to a luxury beach house in Barbados.

Now, Immersia Interactive must reevaluate their decision and analyze the true financial state of Mythic Models before committing to the joint venture.

Mythic Models’ Revised Financial Data (2024)

Category

Amount ($’000)

Stock (Inventory)

500

Current Assets (Total)

730

Current Liabilities

400

Gross Profit

240

Sales Revenue

1550

 

Task for Students

  1. Calculate the current ratio for Mythic Models and interpret the result.
  2. Calculate the acid-test ratio and interpret what it reveals about the company’s financial health.
  3. Compare the current ratio and acid-test ratio. Why do they tell two different stories about the company’s financial position?
  4. Calculate the Gross Profit Margin according to the new figures.
  5. If you were Immersia Interactive, would you still go ahead with the joint venture? Justify your answer.